Canada’s Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is for eligible international students who have completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and intend to remain in Canada temporarily to work. Canada’s PGWP provides international students with essential Canadian work experience, a route to permanent residency, flexibility in employment, financial security, and chances for skill enhancement, networking, and cultural assimilation. It also facilitates professional advancement and long-term establishment in Canada. This blog highlights five key facts about Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to help international students better understand the program.
- The PGWP is only available for graduates from eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada whose programs are at least 8 months long.
It’s essential to determine your eligibility to work after completing your studies. Not every designated learning institution or program qualifies you for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Aside from this, you must also fulfill all other requirements, such as maintaining a full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program, to obtain a post-graduation work permit.
- Applications must be submitted within 180 days after receiving final grades or a completion letter.
You have a window of 180 days from the date your school provides your final grades to apply for a post-graduation work permit. To qualify for a PGWP, your study permit must have been in effect during that 180-day period. When your study permit expires, you must either re-establish your status as a student when applying for a PGWP or leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from outside the country.
- The PGWP can only be issued once to each individual.
The Post-graduation work permits (PGWP) provide a one-time opportunity for international students who must have completed a PGWP-approved program at an accredited learning institution. Nevertheless, an exception exists if your PGWP was not granted for its entire duration because your passport expires. You can extend your PGWP by using your new passport to receive the complete validity period in these instances. To accomplish this, mention this in a letter of explanation when submitting your application to extend your PGWP.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit.
PGWP allows international graduates to work for any employer in Canada, in any location, and in most jobs, without requiring a specific job offer or employer sponsorship. This flexibility enables PGWP holders to gain diverse work experience and explore opportunities across various industries. Read more here.
As an international graduate from a recognized and eligible learning institution in Canada, you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows you to work for a maximum of three years and apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system under the CEC category. To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you must accumulate at least one year of full-time skilled employment (NOC 0, A, or B). You would also be evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), where those with higher scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. After receiving an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residency within 60 days; most applications are processed within a six-month timeframe.
